Less Irritating Acne Treatment

OB/GYN News, Oct 15, 1999

An azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide combination appears equally effective for treating mild to moderate acne vulgaris as a fixed-dose erythromycin-benzoyl peroxide combination, Dr. Barry Solomon said at the American Academy of Dermatology's Academy '99 in New York.

But the 20% azelaic acid and 4% benzoyl peroxide regimen caused significantly less burning and scaling in a small study undertaken by Dr. Solomon of the State University of New York Health Science Center, Brooklyn, and Dr. Diane Thiboutot of Pennsylvania State University, Hershey.

The randomized, clinician-blinded, head-to-head comparison of the two treatment strategies in 34 females and 36 males (average age 20) was supported by Allergan Corp., which markets Azelex brand of azelaic acid gel.

The azelaic acid-treated patients had 45% fewer pustules, 48% fewer papules, and 17% fewer nodules by week 12; the Benzamycin (3% erythromycin plus 5% benzoyl peroxide) group had 33% fewer pustules, 50% fewer papules, and 25% fewer nodules.

The Benzamycin patients had significantly higher scores for dryness, scaling, itching, and burning sensations in the treated areas. These differences were statistically significant.